Audiophilepure

https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/1247-electrocompaniet-aw-300-m-mono-power-amplifier

I enjoyed my time listening to the Electrocompaniet AW 300 M monoblocks. I was also very impressed with their internal layout, the attention to detail, the relatively compact dimensions, and their luxurious appearance. They have fulfilled the promise I first saw in the ECI 6 DX Mk II. When they go back to their rightful owner, I’m going to miss them.

At this price point, I can recommend these monoblocks if your speakers are inefficient or present a difficult load, you like to listen at realistic volume levels, you appreciate truly deep bass, and if, like me, you enjoy a forward presentation. But a purchase of this nature mandates extended auditioning in your own home, or at a dealer who can set up partnering equipment similar to your own.

In a world where over-priced complexity all-too-often seems to be the norm, McIntosh’s MC830 monoblock amplifiers offer a warm and welcome vacation from a seemingly incessant over-complication of our lives. Feed these amps power through decent A/C cords, attach good speaker cables, turn them on, and—voila—you’ll hear soul moving sound!

If you’re looking for a pair of solid-state monoblock amplifiers priced beneath the $10K retail mark, I would strongly recommend auditioning a pair of McIntosh’s MC830 amplifiers.

https://www.hifichoice.com/content/vac-sigma-170i

This prowess, however, isn’t entirely dependent on the superior pressing at higher speed. With the 2014 reissue of Etta James’ sublime Tell Mama on Bear Family, (not exactly known as a label of the audiophile tendency), the otherwise average recording does nothing to hold back one iota of James’ peerless, powerful vocals on this milestone LP.

You want emotion? Here Etta James rips out your heart, and the Sigma 170i ensures that every dynamic moment is treated with the respect it so thoroughly deserves.

With performers like this, even when recordings are not necessarily of the highest merit, the Sigma 170i does the business beautifully. Damn, this is one fine integrated

In conclusion, the A40 is an excellent anchor for a sub-$20k hifi system without having to go used or DIY. While you can’t bridge them (again, there goes the magic), using a pair of these in a vertical biamp type system could be incredibly good for those craving more dynamic headroom.

The A40 delivers so much performance for the money the only reasonable comparison I could come up with was the PrimaLuna EVO 100. At about $2,600, this 38 wpc tube amp is equally robust but very different. Of course, the tube amp has even more tonal saturation, especially the midrange – but the tubes don’t control the bottom end as succinctly as the A40 does. Highs are different in presentation, with the A40 being more resolving and the EVO 100 being more silky smooth.

These two power amplifiers represent the best values going in a low powered tube or solid-state amplifier period, end of story. Some of you will have to have tubes, while others will insist on solid-state. If you’re on the fence, I suggest the A40 because you’ll never have to replace tubes.

https://www.hifinews.com/content/dagostino-relentless-800

For the obverse of these two clear-voiced warblers, I looked to Ozzy Osbourne, his masterful Under Cover [Epic 82876743142] showing exquisite taste in his versions of rock classics. Listening to ‘Mississippi Queen’, with its originator Leslie West providing a ferocious lead guitar break, Ozzy’s rasp demonstrated vividly that the ’800 was not even remotely saccharine, despite my ears telling me that it sounded as sweet as any massive solid-state amp I have ever heard – including the ‘original’ Relentless.

But there was more. Out came a vinyl copy of Led Zeppelin II [Atlantic SD 8236] with the famed Bob Ludwig cut. Within ten seconds of ‘Whole Lotta Love’, cranked up to 11, I experienced a rare audiophile epiphany. The mass, the slam, the scale, the presence: it was as close to real as it gets.